The project which is aimed at transforming transport in the capital city Yaoundé and its environs is funded by approximately 604 million FCFA grant from Sweden.
The Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Célestine Ketcha Courtès, has launched a critical study aimed at transforming the transportation system in the capital Yaounde and its environs. The project which is aimed at transforming transport in the capital city Yaoundé is funded by approximately 604 million FCFA grant from Sweden. The initiative seeks to address Yaounde’s chronic traffic congestion, which affects over 4 million residents. Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Célestine Ketcha Courtès unveiled plans for a dual-pronged approach implementing a Rapid Bus Transit, RBT system with dedicated lanes and establishing a commuter rail network connecting outlying suburbs to the city center.
The proposed rail line would serve growing residential areas like Ngoumou in the Mefou and Afamba Division and Obala in the Lekie Division both of the Center Region where thousands of workers currently endure grueling daily commutes on overcrowded, informal transport. “The success of this initiative hinges on seamless integration between different transport modes,” Minister Ketcha Courtès emphasized during the project launch. “Transfer points must allow smooth transitions between trains and buses to create a truly efficient network.” An international consulting firm has been contracted to conduct the study, which will determine optimal routes, station locations, scheduling, and fare structures.
The finding, expected by December 2025, is expected to guide the implementation timeline and budget allocation for the infrastructure projects as per the minister. The minister acknowledged previous failed attempts to modernize Yaoundé’s transport system, particularly following the collapse of the state-run SOTUC Company. This void was filled by largely unregulated motorcycle taxis and informal mini-buses, contributing to the city’s current traffic chaos. The transport ministry confirmed that stakeholder consultations with businesses, neighborhood associations, and transport unions will begin next month to incorporate public feedback into the planning process leading an end result at the end of 2025.
